[[{“value”:”
The appointment of a dedicated European Commissioner for Circular Economy competitiveness within Jessica Roswall’s portfolio addresses a significant gap in previous policy frameworks, where circular economy initiatives were often fragmented across various commissioners.
Axel Darut is an advisor at the International Council for Circular Economy
The EU has been fostering circularity for over a decade through regulation. Two Circular Economy Action Plans in 2015 and 2020 have broadened the scope of EU policy from a focus on waste to a wider vision for circularity, introducing ecodesign and shifting towards legally binding measures.
By 2040, the combination of existing and currently planned policies, such as the Fit for 55 package, will have cut EU emissions to 60% below 1990 levels.
However, according to the European Scientific Advisory Board, by 2040 emissions must fall by 90-95% below those levels to limit global warming to 1.5°C and reach climate neutrality by 2050.
This is why we need to build an effective EU policy framework for managing materials, one that will accelerate Europe’s transition to a circular economy, support a strong industrial strategy, and make it easier to do business in Europe.
The current economic system still doesn’t incentivise resource efficiency on a large scale due to market failures. The impact of the linear economy on the environment is still unpriced and unmeasured, leading to environmental and human costs borne by local residents and taxpayers.
To ensure the long-term competitiveness of European industry, we must establish a clear and progressive policy framework for product manufacturing, use, recycling, and reuse.
This will be crucial for ensuring the long-term competitiveness of European industry in the context of transitioning to meet ambitious targets such as decoupling economic growth from resource use.
It will also benefit businesses that understand the importance of creating products in a more circular way, incentivise companies with less sustainable processes to innovate and update their business models, and support sustainable consumer habits through a fair and just transition.
A well-functioning circular single market, as mentioned in Letha’s report, would enhance the EU’s resilience against import shocks.
Critical dependencies can be reduced by decreasing demand for imported virgin materials, substituting them with local, reused, and recycled materials, and using fewer materials through efficiency-by-design or repair opportunities.
To accelerate the deployment of the circular economy model, the EU will need to stimulate investment.
Public policies that establish common standards and a predictable regulatory framework would accelerate the development of markets for inputs such as recyclates and services such as repair, both within the EU and with trade partners.
Additionally, the EU should expand its policies with financial support and training to foster an inclusive green economy, as emphasised in Draghi’s report.
Therefore, the new Commissioner faces a significant task.
Implementing the ambitious goals outlined in previous circular economy action plans, coupled with the new initiatives proposed by Ursula von der Leyen, requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
The challenge is compounded by the need to address potential friction points across different policy areas, such as industry, trade, consumer rights, and energy. A delicate balance will need to be struck on certain issues with different commissioners.
The central question is whether establishing a dedicated Circular Economy Commissioner would pave the way for a comprehensive materials resources framework.
This framework would integrate all aspects of the circular economy and align with the portfolios of other Commissioners. Such a vision could substantially contribute to the EU’s key objectives, including economic security, strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and financial stability
The European Parliament hearings of Commissioners will serve as an initial exercise to challenge their vision and assess how they could accelerate the deployment of the circular economy through a systemic EU approach.
Additionally, it will explore how this would be supported by the Executive Vice-President for a clean, just, and competitive transition, alongside other Commissioners working on cross-cutting issues, in order to achieve a unified vision of the circular economy for the EU.
We give you energy news and help invest in energy projects too, click here to learn more
Crude Oil, LNG, Jet Fuel price quote
ENB Top News
ENB
Energy Dashboard
ENB Podcast
ENB Substack
The post Circular economy commissioner is a crucial step to a holistic EU vision for sustainable materials appeared first on Energy News Beat.
“}]]